Author: Buys, Jacobus (1724-1801), Allart, Johannes (1754-1816) and Meer, Noach van der II (fl. 1740-1794)
Title: De Schilder / The painter [Fabelen en vertelsels, in Nederduitsche vaerzen gevolgd]
Description: Book illustration among the 150 in: C.F. Gellert, Fabelen en vertelsels, in Nederduitsche vaerzen gevolgd. The first edition of the Dutch translation of 'Gellerts Fabeln und Erzählungen' (Leipzig 1746-1748) without illustration was published in 1772-1774 (Amsterdam, P. Meijer); a second edition, where the prints are included, was published by the same company in 1781-1785 (3 volumes). An edition in reduced size from 1784 (Amsterdam, Heirs P. Meijer and G. Warnars, 3 volumes) feature anonymous copies by a much less experienced hand. An album with preparatory drawings for the prints surfaced on the art market around 2005. Here, two men are standing in front of an easel with a painting representing a soldier. Both men, especially the younger, are showing appreciation towards the work. Since their attire is 'classical', it is likely that the painter represented is Apelles. Titled below: 'DE SCHILDER.'; signed: 'J. Buys inv. et del. / J. Alalrt excud. / N. v.d. Meer Jun. sculps.' Engraving and etching on paper; total: 212 x 122 mm; platemark undetectable; light damp stains and dirt on the most external margin; dirt and smudges especially on the right margin; slightly yellowing paper;

Keywords: Crafts|Genre|Iconography|Male|Painting